Comments on: Turned Down for a Promotion. Now What?

By: Wilmer

Wilmer — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 13:13:20 +0000

Steve, in your reply you reference issues becoming too political. This is my situation, at least I think. Can you share how one might use the STATE and EXPLORE skills to better interpret organizational politics? Much appreciated in advance.

By: Kathie Moe

Kathie Moe — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 16:48:35 +0000

While I understand the person’s disappointment at not being selected for a position, the panel may have had a different perspective on his readiness or capabilities for the position. The reason for a panel is that it is not just one person’s perspective or decision. I think a better question would be to ask for feedback.

The person’s response to the boss feels aggressive to me. Is it his place to say the boss is not taking responsibility for the decision? Also there are issues of confidentiality. It may be that the boss is being as candid as is allowable. Is the writer making it safe for the boss to be candid?

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 03:26:08 +0000

I think that’s the subtle challenge here. You’d like to be promoted and feel that your manager should fight for you. This person addressed that issue and ran into a new, bigger problem–my manager and I are now disconnected. the person can’t tackle the first issue without resolving the second. They become double stuck. Now they can’t talk about the first issue anymore because of the second. No doubt that political interactions are possibly at play, and you need a relationship with your boss to be able to address them. And in the end, if the issues become too political you can choose to engage in the game, if that’s what you prefer. Or there is always the possibility of leaving.

By: prempal singh

prempal singh — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 21:30:29 +0000

Hi Steve, you answer to the question is very good text book answer. Most orgnizations are much more political from first line manager and up. It is not straight forward that your work takes you up.
I had been in that trap a couple of times, thus i know from experience. In some organization the decision for a senior level process is not a secret. It is decided at a higher level.
Work performed is a major factor but it also makes difference how one fit into the current senior team. What other decision makers experience is with one. Is the person suitable for the company’s culture and where they are going as an existing team. Meaning are you going to come and play ball with them or you would start questioning/challenging the team.
Sometimes ones manager himself is not on a strong footing and thus cannot stand up for his team.
One time, when i was promised a promotion and it did not happen. When i asked my manager what happened. His answer surprised me, ” i don’t know what you do”. I know he did not know everything, and take partial blame myself, as i took upon myself to get things done and not engaging him in everything i did to make things happen. Thus he could not defend me. But on the other hand, wasn’t it his job to collect enough facts to deliver what he promised.